Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
Dave Hamilton & Friends
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Top 10 Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Cleaning Up Your In-Ears Mix...And Your Ears
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
06/03/24 • 74 min
In this week’s Gig Gab, with guest cohost Daniel East returning to join Dave Hamilton, you dive into the essentials of managing your hearing and gear during and after gigs. Amanda’s question about affordable in-ear monitors (IEMs) leads to recommendations including the Sennheiser IE100 Pro and Juicy Earz, highlighting the importance of investing in quality gear without breaking the bank. Remember, the goal is to “Always Be Performing” at your best, and that includes protecting your most valuable asset – your hearing.
The discussion then moves to the finer points of creating the perfect IEM mix. They emphasize starting from zero, building your levels up gradually, and ensuring no two instruments occupy the same stereo space. Trust both your ears and eyes when adjusting your mix, and keep it simple by taking as little as possible from the main mix. Wrapping up, they provide practical tips on ear care, such as using ear bulb syringes and avoiding ear candling. Stay sharp, stay safe, and keep performing at your peak!
- 00:00:00 Gig Gab 432 – Monday, June 3rd, 2024
- June 3rd: Old Time Player Piano Day (but Friday was National Save Your Hearing Day)
- Guest Co-Host: Daniel East
- 00:01:58 Recent Gigs
- 00:10:16 Let your ears rest after the gig
- 00:12:34 Amanda-Which IEMs for $300 or less?
- 00:16:15 Listen FIRST
- 00:17:34 Listen Advice
- Human Voice
- Decay of Reverb
- Fingers on guitar strings
- Thump of the low end
- 00:19:23 Fitting them in
- 00:19:38 Recommended Earphones
- Sennheiser IE100 Pro – $98
- Future Sonics G10 – $160 with code on site
- Linsoul KZ ZS10 5-driver Universal fit – $49.99
- Dunu Falcon Ultra – $220
- Audix A10X – $229
- WAVS Custom – Duals start at $199/ear – Ear molds with your iPhone
- Juicy Earz – Starts at $298
- Alclair Affordable Custom In-Ears on Gig Gab
- 00:30:03 Headphone Amps
- Rolls PM55p
- Albatros Audio PH9C (about $450, custom build)
- Rupert Neve RNHP Headphone Amplifier – $599 on Amazon
- RNDI DI Box – $299 on Amazon
- 00:43:24 When creating an IEM mix, trust both your eyes and ears
- 00:46:58 Creating the best IEM Mix
- Start from Zero
- Bring yourself up to 75%
- Then bring everything else up
- If stereo: nothing dead-center, no two instruments in the same “space”
- Take as LITTLE as possible. Don’t just ask for “the main mix”
- 01:03:04 Cleaning Your Ears
- Ear Bulb Syringe – $14 on Amazon
- Stay away from Ear Candling
- Ear Wax Removal Tool with Camera – $20 on Amazon
- Ear Irrigation Flushing System – $18 on Amazon
- 01:13:55 Gig Gab 432 Outtro
- Find Daniel East on X
- Or instagram
- Or Facebook
- And DanielEast.net
- And LinkedIn
- Contact Gig Gab!
- Share the show!
- Find Daniel East on X
From Sit-In to Album Release: Heather Smith's Musical Journey
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
06/10/24 • 41 min
In this episode of Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Heather Smith and Paul Giovine, diving into the serendipity of musical connections. Heather shares how a chance meeting led to her cautiously getting on stage for the first time when Dave played with Simon Santiago five years ago. Last month, Heather released an record of her original tunes!
From her first time on stage with a band to releasing her own album, Heather’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence. She recounts how a Craigslist ad for a bass player unexpectedly turned her into a backup singer and then eventually into a lead singer...as a sub at first! Heather also reveals the struggle of starting her own band, Glitter & Camo, and the internal battle of convincing herself not to give up.
Heather, Paul, and Dave discuss the evolution of EPs and the importance of taking small, manageable steps to handle uncomfortable situations. They emphasize the idea that success often finds you when you least expect it, rather than the other way around. The episode highlights practical tips for cueing a band and the dynamics of playing covers in an original band. Throughout, the message is clear: Always Be Performing, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back from your musical ambitions.
Cover image from 2019, when Dave, Simon, and Heather played together (Heather’s first time on stage!)
- 00:00:00 Gig Gab 433 – Monday, June 10th, 2024
- June 10th: National Egg Roll Day
- Guest Co-Host: Heather Smith and Paul Giovine (Heather’s drummer)
- 00:01:34 Met Because of Gig Gab
- Dave played with Simon Santiago...and Heather sat in! – Gig Gab 213 (The “Acoustic Confidence” section)
- 00:04:15 From First time on Stage with a Band to Releasing Her Own Album
- 00:07:17 Craigslist Ad for a Bass Player leads to becoming a Backup Singer
- 00:09:28 The Benefits and Pitfalls of hiring good subs!
- 00:12:19 Starting her own band
- 00:13:27 Spending Energy Convincing Yourself NOT To Do It
- Giving Your Inner Judge Too Much Time
- 00:15:16 Why do we call things EPs? They’re not Extended (anymore)
- 00:21:11 Taking Little, Manageable Steps to Deal With the Awkward Uncomfortable Feelings
- It’s Never Going To Be Perfect
- The You You Never Got To Be
- 00:24:35 Don’t Take It For Granted
- 00:26:29 Success Finds You, not the other way around
- 00:27:10 Cueing a Band
- Beware the Law of Attraction
- 00:32:00 Playing Covers in an Original Band
- 00:36:43 Finding Heather Smith on Facebook
- 00:40:45 Gig Gab 432 Outtro
- Find Heather Smith on Facebook
- Or on Apple Music
- Or on Spotify
- Or on YouTube
- Or the Blue22 Studio Website
- Contact Gig Gab!
- Find Heather Smith on Facebook
The post From Sit-In to Album Release: Heather Smith’s Musical Journey — Gig Gab 433 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Refreshments & Rapport with Train's Matt Musty
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
04/22/24 • 66 min
In the latest episode of Gig Gab, Matt Musty, a seasoned pro known for his work with Train, Grace Potter, and others, joins Dave Hamilton to share invaluable insights into the diverse roles a musician can play—be it a team player in a band setting or a versatile session artist. Emphasizing the need to adapt, whether grooving to the iconic beats of “Drops of Jupiter” or navigating the unique demands of various venues like Blossom in Cleveland and Tanglewood in Massachusetts, Musty illustrates the essence of “Always Be Performing”. He stresses the importance of context, from the dynamics of performing live to understanding the subtleties of venue acoustics and audience vibes.
Navigating the complexities of tour life, including Matt’s time on the road with Jake Clemons on the S.S. Tina Turner bus, unveils a layer of touring rarely discussed— the social dynamics and unspoken rules like those governing the guest list. Tips from life on the road with musicians like Kacey Musgraves and interactions on the Grace Potter tour delve into the personal journeys artists undertake, blending professional commitments with personal evolution. Whether discussing the technical nuances of in-ear monitors or sharing a laugh about the quirks of tour bus life, the underlying mantra remains clear: wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, “Always Be Performing”.
- 00:00:00 Gig Gab 426 – Monday, April 22nd, 2024
- April 22nd: National Jellybean Day
- 00:01:20 Guest Co-host: Matt Musty from Train (and everywhere else!)
- The epitome of the Working Musician. Train, Grace Potter, Keith Urban, Dhani Harrison, Gwen Stefani, Smash Mouth, and countless others.
- 00:03:14 Know which hat you’re putting on
- A Creative Partnership
- Shutting Up And Doing The Job
- A Tool in Someone’s Toolkit
- The Freedom with the click...and with session work
- 00:08:01 Playing “Drops of Jupiter” live
- 00:09:43 Honoring Neil Peart
- 00:12:09 Singers: You are in Missouri (not Kansas!)
- 00:12:39 Vet your tattoos with reverse image
- 00:14:27 Distinguishing Features of Venues
- Blossom in Cleveland
- Tanglewood in Massachusetts
- Woodlands in Houston
- Great Woods
- Meadowbrook in Gilford, NH
- 00:20:07 Woodwork Day
- 00:21:22 The Unspoken Rules of The Guest List
- 00:27:55 On The Road with Jake Clemons in the S.S. Tina Turner
- “If Your Bus Has a Name, Something’s Up”
- Hypnotic Clambake’s “Unba”
- Refreshments & Rapport
- 00:35:50 Tips from The Road
- Kacey Musgraves Guitarist
- Valley Famous Band with Jeff Babko
- “No One’s Calling Me ‘Sir’”
- Two Months with Train
- The Importance of The Hang
- 00:42:33 Master Tour
- 00:44:04 Who is “Ali”?
- 00:45:51 Grace Potter Tour...leads to Romance!
- 00:50:29 In-Ear Therapy
- Wanting “Spatialness” with IEMs
- AVIOM on Stage
- Comp Tortion
- Yamaha EAD10
- M160 Microphone
- 01:00:36 Home Recording
- 01:04:22 Gig Gab 426 Outtro
- Contact Matt Musty or on IG
- Contact Gig Gab!
...
Surprise, You're The Headliner
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
07/18/23 • 49 min
In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton discuss the highs and lows of recent gigs, emphasizing the importance of delivering top-notch performances. They recount a canceled gig due to rain, revealing the strict cancellation policy that left them unpaid, despite perfect weather. Another Saturday gig faced multiple challenges, including a last-minute replacement bass player due to a COVID-19 test. Undeterred, they took the stage and powered through unforeseen setbacks, demonstrating their commitment to “Always Be Performing.”
Your two favorite weekend warriors also delve into the pressure of pleasing discerning audiences, sharing stories of gigs where last-minute changes and rivalries pushed them to excel. They touch on the benefits of chemistry within a band, adapting to new songs and challenges, and the simplicity of cover band gigs that allows for solid, enjoyable performances. Concluding with gratitude to the listeners and a brief break before their return in August, Paul and Dave reassure us all that they’ll always be performing, too, and delivering engaging content!
- 00:00:00 – Gig Gab 390 – Tuesday, July 18th, 2023
- 00:03:08 – Discussion on Financial Commitment for Cancelled Gigs
- 00:04:32 – Tips for finding new gig opportunities
- 00:05:51 – Setting Up for the Gig and Assessing the Stakes
- 00:08:02 – Technical Difficulties with Bass Amp during Performance
- 00:09:10 – Sharing experiences with different types of venues
- 00:10:03 – Syncopated Challenges in Playing Van Halen’s “Jump”
- 00:12:01 – Audience Scrutiny and Perspective on Mistakes
- 00:14:37 – Feeling Moved Around and Pissed Off
- 00:15:59 – Advice on promoting and marketing your band
- 00:17:00 – Delayed Start, Frustration, and Impressive Performance
- 00:19:22 – The Other Band’s Reaction
- 00:21:08 – Band decides to play songs already performed by another band
- 00:22:31 – Importance of networking within the music industry
- 00:24:44 – Inspired by the skill of another band, motivation to excel
- 00:25:17 – SPONSOR: HelloFresh delivers farm-fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and seasonal recipes right to your doorstep.
- 00:28:58 – Addressing the issue of low-paying gigs
- 00:29:33 – Challenging Start, Determined to Play the Beloved Song
- 00:30:52 – Striving for the Perfect Sound
- 00:32:23 – Unconventional Set Start with Crowd’s Attention
- 00:34:11 – Exploring the benefits of playing original music versus covers
- 00:34:45 – Nostalgia for simpler gigs and missing band members
- 00:38:02 – The challenge of locking in tempos for certain songs
- 00:40:43 – Closing thoughts and upcoming events in the music scene
- 00:43:24 – A star-studded band lineup for the Jim Irsay concert
- 00:48:27 – GG 390 Outtro
The post Surprise, You’re The Headliner — Gig Gab 390 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Inexpensive Gear, In-Ear Tricks, and a little Frank!
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
06/01/21 • 44 min
When can you buy off-brand gear and still get the quality you need without breaking the bank? Paul and Dave talk about a few experiments they’ve recently performed and their results with not-the-name-brand stuff.
Paul added a little Frank to his set recently, and it opens up a conversation about how to approach collaboration, in general. As Paul says, “a band is an exercise in compromise.”
Lastly, Dave’s played a few gigs recently which have expanded his thinking about approaching your in-ear monitor mix, and he shares those tips with Paul and all of you. Have your own tips? Share ’em with your two favorite weekend warriors at [email protected] and they’ll read ’em on the next episode!
- 00:00:00 Gig Gab 306 – Tuesday, June 1, 2021
- 00:06:25 Behringer B906 Guitar cabinet mic ($57 on Amazon as of show date)
- 00:14:33 SPONSOR: Upstart. Whether it’s paying off credit cards, consolidating high-interest debt, or funding personal expenses, Upstart looks at more than your credit score and can offer you smarter rates with trusted partners. Visit Upstart.com/GIGGAB today to learn more.
- 00:16:09 Adding a little Frank!
- 00:19:11 The All Blues Gig
- A Band is an Exercise in Compromise
- 00:32:13
- 00:33:32 More ears tricks
- Remove the wedges
- Set-it-and-forget-it
- Add some reverb
- 00:39:50 GG 306
The post Inexpensive Gear, In-Ear Tricks, and a little Frank! – Gig Gab 306 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Finding (and leaving) Your Comfort Zone
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
09/30/19 • 49 min
It’s great to get your band to a place where you can just get setup and play without any issues. That’s not always easy, mind you, but it’s great. Paul and Dave both have a few stories – and a few tips – about how to make this happen... and what happens when it doesn’t!
Crowd interaction is a critical tentpole of our “Always Be Performing” motto here at Gig Gab, and Dave had some interesting experiences with that this past weekend. Sometimes the crowd is too easy to engage, and that can present its own set of problems to be solved. Never fear, Paul is there to help solve them.
Lastly, a tech question about the right kind of mix for your in-ear monitors. Really, it’s a question that applies to any monitor mixes, so you’ll want to hear your favorite Weekend Warriors’ thoughts about that, too! Press play to get it all right now.
- 00:00:00 Gig Gab 228 – Monday, September 30, 2019 <https://giggabpodcast.com/>
- 00:00:57 Paul’s relocating
- 00:02:52 Dave’s Three outdoor gig weekend
- 00:11:18 Charlie Farren
- 00:13:34 But we don’t want to be drunk
- 00:15:23 No Power Porchfest!
- “The band is so hot we blew out the power!”
- 00:21:01 Props to the leaders!
- 00:26:53 Asking Strange Questions From the Stage
- 00:28:09 When you have a good sub!
- 00:35:40 Find the Comfort Zone
- 00:43:04 Adam-Should IEM mixes be pre- or post-fader?
- 00:49:13 GG 228 Outtro
The post Finding (and leaving) Your Comfort Zone – Gig Gab 228 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Nirvana Night vs. Fight Night – Gig Gab Podcast 152
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
02/07/18 • 38 min
Sometimes it’s nirvana, and sometimes it’s a fight. The thing is, you never really know which way the gig is going to go until you’re in the thick of it... and then you just have to take it as it comes and deal with it! Whether it’s discussing the harnessing of the karma gods or the Facebook algorithm, your two favorite weekend warriors bring their A-game to you each and every week.
Speaking of games, Justin Timberlake’s performance at the Super Bowl is fair game to discuss in this podcast, and that discussion happened, too.
So much to say about so many things... press play, download, enjoy!
Chapters/Timestamps:
- 00:00:00 Gig Gab 152 – Tuesday, February 6, 2018
- 00:01:14 When every note is a chore?
- 00:06:00 Nirvana Nights vs. Fight Nights
- 00:07:00 Harnessing of the Karma Gods
- 00:09:05 The Facebook algorithm vs. Marketing 50%
- 00:09:40 Annual Children’s Musical Theater (CMT – San Jose) Cabaret Night fundraiser
- 00:11:09 The flow of an organized evening when you’re not the focus
- 00:13:39 Flipping the “ON” Switch
- 00:13:50 “We’re all in this together”
- 00:15:54 Hired guns vs. bandmates
- 00:18:15 JT at the SuperBowl
- 00:21:25 Invoking Prince
- 00:22:43 In-ears for the entire Marching Band
- 00:24:41 JT Super Bowl “for exposure” — except all expenses are paid.
- 00:27:00 Does the NFL respect musicians?
- 00:28:49 Paul Simon’s retirement message
- 00:34:26 Songs from the 90s vs. Majestic Permanence?
- 00:38:12 No Matter What – The fake ending worked!
- 00:38:42 GG Outtro
The post Nirvana Night vs. Fight Night – Gig Gab Podcast 152 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Live Inspiration, Sound Tweaks, and Desert Island Discs – GigGab 98
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
01/18/17 • 45 min
Dave’s back from a musical “destination vacation” so he and Paul discuss the merits of doing that for any band, including some that have ties to GigGab directly. Then, after Paul’s requisite Bruce Springsteen mention, your two weekend warriors share their favorite albums... and that includes another Springsteen mention! Listen to hear what inspires your music geeks here, then let us know your favorites over on Facebook, too. Download, enjoy, and always be performing, folks!
Chapters/Timestamps:
- 00:00:00 GigGab 98 – January 18, 2017
- 00:00:47 Dave’s seen some shows
- 00:02:11 Delay in hearing space live
- 00:10:28 Going for it and making mistakes – Vinnie Colaiuta
- 00:05:16 Rock Cruises
- 00:15:00 “Born to Run,” the Bruce Springsteen Autobiography
- 00:16:37 On being a non-professional singer
- 00:23:58 Your Two Working Musicians’ Desert Island Disc Picks
- 00:24:04 Weather Report: “8:30”
- 00:25:57 Bruce Springsteen: “Born to Run”
- 00:27:24 Rush: “Exit... Stage Left”
- 00:29:50 “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers” (first album)
- 00:32:40 Sting: “Bring On The Night”
- 00:34:16 Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes: “Better Days”
- 00:35:58 Phish: “A Live One”
- 00:37:55 Peter Frampton: “Frampton Comes Alive”
- 00:40:07 Miles Davis: “A Tribute to Jack Johnson”
- 00:42:37 Ryan Adams: “Ashes and Fire”
- 00:44:58 GG 98 Outtro
The post Live Inspiration, Sound Tweaks, and Desert Island Discs – GigGab 98 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Beware The Hassle Factor – GigGab 85
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
10/10/16 • 38 min
Another crazy week for your two favorite working musicians means another episode chock full of stories and lessons learned. Dave just finished one theater show and loaded his drums in for another. The show he just finished had him and the rest of the “pit” band prominently on stage, so there were some interesting on-the-job lessons there. Paul played his first show in a new club in a new area, and that taught him a few things about building a new following (hint: elbow grease is only part of it, but it’s a big part!).
Paul and Dave spend the remainder of this week’s episode talking about bandmate availability. Part of that includes reasons (good and bad) why you might not make yourself available for gigs, and the other is just the nuts and bolts of putting together a process to efficiently share that information amongst your bandmates.
How do YOU keep things organized? Let us know!
Chapters/Timestamps:
00:00:00 GigGab 85 – October 10, 2016
00:01:08 Dave’s between shows
00:07:50 Sometimes you can’t build trust
00:08:46 Gone are the couches, back come the bands!
00:10:31 Building a following with elbow grease
00:19:44 Beware the Hassle Factor
00:22:42 Managing availability?
The post Beware The Hassle Factor – GigGab 85 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Healthy Hearing with Music Audiologist, Frank Wartinger
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
01/08/24 • 66 min
This week on Gig Gab, dive deep into the world of hearing health with Frank Wartinger, a renowned music audiologist and podcaster! Wartinger emphasizes the importance of protecting your ears, especially for musicians and avid music fans. He introduces the “Dangerous Decibels Three Part Solution” – a practical approach involving turning down the volume, walking away from excessively loud sounds, and consistently wearing ear protection. He highlights the significance of being a considerate onstage neighbor and viewing your band in terms of ‘entrées and side dishes,’ where you’re often the side dish, suggesting a balance in sound levels. Frank also recommends various earplugs like Etymotic ER20, Loop, Vibes, and Eargasm, stressing on the need for filtered earplugs to maintain sound quality while protecting hearing.
Further into the show, the conversation shifts to the technical aspects of hearing protection, discussing the loss of specific frequencies during live performances and the importance of getting custom-molded earplugs for the best protection. Lists from JH Audio and Sensaphonics are recommended for finding reliable audiologists. The discussion then turns to the use of in-ear monitors (IEMs) and how to maintain safe levels to avoid long-term hearing damage, citing a 2008 study comparing stage monitor levels with IEMs. Wartinger and Hamilton remind listeners that in the world of music, it’s crucial to “Always Be Performing,” but that also means taking care of your health, especially your hearing, to ensure longevity in your career.
- 00:00:00 Gig Gab 411 – Monday, January 8th, 2024
- Healthy Hearing with Music Audiologist, Frank Wartinger
- 00:01:30 Special Guest: Frank Wartinger, Music Audiologist and host of the Talking Ears podcast
- 00:03:19 Helping musicians protect their hearing
- 00:04:54 What Can we as musicians *and* music fans do to preserve and even improve our Hearing Health?
- Dangerous Decibels Three Part Solution
- Turn it down – 3dB down is twice as safe
- Walk away – be more careful of what you do with loud sounds...especially on gig days
- Protect Your Ears
- Dangerous Decibels Three Part Solution
- 00:12:00 Be A Good Neighbor (on stage)
- 00:15:48 Think of your band as being made up of entrées and side dishes — You’re usually the side dish!
- Heather Maluku Music Audiologist – Small Muscle Athletes
- 00:17:28 Ear plug recommendations
- Maynard James Keenan Plays Drums with Shotgun
- Filtered Earplugs
- Etymotic ER20
- Loop Earplugs
- Dubs Earplugs (discontinued)
- Vibes
- Earaser
- Eargasm
- 00:28:26 Do you wear earplugs when doing live sound?
- Losing 3kHz-6kHz over the course of a two hour show
- 00:34:07 Getting Molds Done
- 00:46:00 Getting the right fit the first time
- Trust your IEM manufacturer!
- Andy Swanson from Alclair on Gig Gab
- From The Graduate to Fletch in less than 14 seconds!
- 00:50:14 Should we use a bite blocks?
- Use “The dumb guy look!”
- 00:55:55 Keeping IEM levels down
- 2008 Study comparing stage monitor levels with in-ear monitors
- Question your IEM habits for 2024
- “Don’t Get Addicted to That Snap” – Bill Tasto
- 01:01:49 GG 411 Outtro
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FAQ
How many episodes does Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast have?
Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast currently has 453 episodes available.
What topics does Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Music, Podcasts, Music Interviews and Music Commentary.
What is the most popular episode on Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast?
The episode title 'Always Be Entertaining' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast?
The average episode length on Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast is 49 minutes.
How often are episodes of Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast released?
Episodes of Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast?
The first episode of Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast was released on Feb 19, 2015.
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